Gobir

Gobir was a historical Hausa state located in what is now northwestern Nigeria and southeastern Niger. It was one of the seven true Hausa states, known for its military strength and significant role in the region's political landscape for centuries. The exact origins of Gobir are debated by historians, but it is believed to have been established in the medieval period. The state was characterized by its independent city-states and often engaged in warfare with neighboring kingdoms, including Katsina, Kano, and Zazzau, as well as with the Fulani.

The capital of Gobir shifted over time, with important centers including Alkalawa and later Tsakuwa. The state's economy was primarily based on agriculture, trade, and crafts. Gobir was a major participant in the trans-Saharan trade routes, exchanging goods like leather, textiles, and slaves. Its society was structured with a monarchical system, with rulers known as the Sarki. The state also had a complex social hierarchy and was influenced by Islam, which became increasingly prominent over the centuries.

Gobir is perhaps most famously remembered for its role in the early 19th century Fulani Jihad led by Usman dan Fodio. Gobir was one of the primary antagonists of the jihadists, and its resistance, particularly under the leadership of Queen Amina (not the more famous Zazzau queen of that name) and later Sarki Yunfa, became a focal point of the conflict. Despite fierce resistance, Gobir eventually fell to the Fulani forces, marking the end of its independent existence as a major Hausa state and its incorporation into the Sokoto Caliphate. Remnants of Gobir's cultural and political legacy can still be found in the region today.